Gandaki Province, Nepal
The Annapurna Circuit crosses Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. It covers 128 to 145 kilometers through sub-tropical forests, alpine meadows, and high-altitude deserts.
5.0 from 453 traveller reviews on Viator
Tickets & tours
Compare guided packages based on duration, route, and included amenities.
Most bookedABOUT TRIP Annapurna Circuit Trek, One of the most popular treks in Nepal, circuit trek around the Annapurna with Tilicho Lake is a diverse trek and an exciting...
Best valueThe Annapurna Circuit Trek with Tilicho Lake offers a comprehensive Himalayan trekking experience, combining the classic Annapurna Circuit with the breathtaking beauty...
Small groupThe high altitude: The Thorong La Pass is the highest point on the Annapurna Circuit Trek, and it is also one of the highest passes in the world that can be crossed...
Explore
Discover the main sections of the trail, from subtropical valleys to high-altitude passes.
3 spotsMarsyangdi Valley AscentThe subtropical beginning of the trek transitioning into alpine terrain.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsTilicho Lake DetourAcclimatize in Manang and hike to the 4,919-meter Tilicho Lake.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
3 spotsThorong La & DescentCross the 5,416m Thorong La Pass and descend into the Mustang region.Explore Photo: tour listing on Viator
Check the current licensed-guide rule before you go.
Nepal tightened rules for independent trekkers in 2023; enforcement on this route has varied.
Plan your visit
The circuit takes 12 to 16 days. This includes the detour to Tilicho Lake and rest days.
October to November offers clear weather. March to May brings warmer temperatures and blooming rhododendrons.
Buses leave Kathmandu daily for Besisahar. The ride takes 6 to 8 hours and costs $10 to $15.
You need an ACAP (NPR 3,000) and possibly a TIMS Card (about NPR 2,000). Your agency will arrange these.
This high-altitude trekking route circles the Annapurna Massif. You start in the lower Marsyangdi valley. The trail moves upward into dry, high-altitude terrain near Manang. Marsyangdi Valley Ascent details this transition.
Before attempting the main pass, most hikers visit Tilicho Lake at 4,919 meters. This detour aids acclimatization. You must navigate a scree slope to reach the base camp. See Trail Safety Guide for navigation advice.
The physical peak of the journey is Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. You cross this before descending into the Kali Gandaki Gorge. This gorge is considered the deepest in the world.
We check if tours include adequate rest days in Manang for proper altitude acclimatization.
We detail whether permits, transport, meals, and porter services are covered in the base rate.
We note maximum group capacities and assistant guide ratios for better safety on the trail.
From Viator
453 reviews of the 16-day circuit & tilicho lake on Viator
Som was an amazing trek guide!!! He knew all the best routes and shared fascinating stories about the surroundings. He made the trek enjoyable for everyone and took care of our needs. It was a great experience and his warm hospitality made our trip wonderful.Highly recommended for anyone seeking an authentic and memorable Himalayan experience.
We had booked a 12-day Annapurna Circuit trek, but only made it as far as Manang because we got snowed in. We are very glad we were trekking with Ramsha. He is an experienced and fun guide, and we felt safe on the tour with him.
I cen recommend Kaji and Nimraz as a guide and porter on the trip. We planned the Manaslu circuit but becouse of the flood we had to change it to Annapurna circiut. Guys were flexible with out plan which I aprecieted. They are still young and very powerful so I think thath with still learning about mountains and developing their english their performance as guides will be still better
This was really good experience to go with Discovery World Trekking to Annapurna Circuit. The atmosphere was really, really good and I really recommend our guide Kaji and our porter Nimraj.
I had an amazing Annapurna Circuit Trek with Sole Encounters Adventures. The mountain views, local villages, and overall experience were unforgettable. Our guide, Raj Rai, was knowledgeable, friendly, and always looked after us. The porter worked incredibly hard and made the trek much easier. The rooms, transportation, and logistics were all well organized. Thank you to the whole team for a fantastic adventure!
Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake was wonderful and amazing. Travel with Sole Encounters Adventures was without doubt, highly recommended. Elite service, excellent guides, and porters provided an excellent experience. Second trip with them, stayed for months in Nepal, brilliant assistance, thank you!
We had amazing trekking experience with the Himalayan sanctuary adventure team .They were very informative and helpful . I Strongly recommend his team if you're planning any trekking within nepal
AC & tilicho lake one of the best trek in Nepal. View amazing. Our group all success, no one got problem with altitude. Because guide from Himalayan Sanctuary Adventure professional and take care, make sure got nice lodge, cook delicious food, thick blanket and attach toilet.
We did the 10-day trek with Ganesh Thapa Magar and it was incredible. He was attentive, helpful, and showed us his mountain and culture in the best possible way. He booked very comfortable nights for us. Everything was perfect. A huge thank you to him!
Travel tips
Permit Costs GuideACAP and TIMS card costs and guide requirements for the circuit.Read 
Best TimeFind the safest and clearest months for crossing Thorong La Pass.Read 
Trail Safety GuidePractical safety advice for navigating the landslide trail to Tilicho Base Camp.Read Gear EssentialsMust-have gear for cold weather, altitude, and rough terrain.Read Preventing AMSHow to acclimatize safely for the Annapurna Circuit and Thorong La Pass.Read Annapurna vs EverestCompare Annapurna Circuit's changing landscapes with the Everest trek.Read The trek is strenuous. It requires very good physical fitness, stamina, and strict adherence to altitude acclimatization rules.
It typically takes 12 to 16 days. This depends on where you use motorized transport and how many rest days you take.
Yes. Nepal's 2023 rule calls for foreign trekkers to use a licensed guide through a registered agency; enforcement on this route varies, so confirm before you go.
Guided tours range from $590 to $1,900. You also need to budget for permits, gear, and personal expenses.
Supplemental oxygen is generally not used. However, you must acclimatize properly and descend immediately if severe altitude sickness symptoms appear.
October to November and March to May are best. Start your hike from Base Camp before sunrise to avoid freezing winds.
Book your guided trek early to secure the best dates.
